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It’s always fun to visit restaurants that capture some of the history of the place. Philadelphia offers several outstanding restaurants that span the city’s history, from revolutionary times through the Victorian age.

City Tavern Restaurant

The ultimate in historic dining in Philadelphia has to be the City Tavern Restaurant in the Old City, at the north end of Head House Square. City Tavern was new in the spring of 1774, when Paul Revere rode into town and stopped there to tell the citizens of Philadelphia about the closing of Boston Harbor. Later that summer, John Adams arrived in Philadelphia to attend the First Continental Congress. The first tavern he visited was City Tavern. The tavern has seven dining rooms, decorated appropriately for the 1700s, and servers dress in 18th century attire. The menus strive to balance traditional dishes with more modern tastes. A few of the many choices include apple-smoked pork chops, turkey pot pie and medallions of veal. City Tavern Restaurant 138 S. 2nd St. at Walnut Street Philadelphia PA 19106 215-413-1443 citytavern.com

Water Works Restaurant &amp; Lounge

The Philadelphia Waterworks was one of the first municipal waterworks in the country. Designed by Frederick Graff with elegant Greek columns, it was built between 1819 and 1822. It quickly became a tourist attraction but closed in 1909. Since then, it has been used for an aquarium and a swimming pool and spent many years vacant. A few years ago, after extensive renovations, the Water Works Restaurant &amp; Lounge opened. It is easy to picture yourself arriving by elegant carriage or an early automobile. Tucked against the cliff below the base of the art museum and overlooking the Schuylkill River, the view from the outdoor dining room is stunning, particularly at sunset and in the evening, when Philadelphia’s famous “Boathouse Row” is all lit up. Make a reservation, order a cocktail and drink in the atmosphere. The upscale menu has something for everyone, from steaks to creative choices such as the lobster BLT, truffle boursin stuffed chicken and Grand Marnier duck breast. Save room for dessert—they are to die for. Water Works Restaurant &amp; Lounge 640 Water Works Drive Philadelphia PA 19130 215-236-9000 thewaterworksrestaurant.com

Valley Green Inn

Almost at the northwest end of Fairmount Park, about seven miles from center city, you’ll find Valley Green Inn. Built in 1850-51 on land bought from William Penn in 1685, it has been part of the park since 1873. This historic inn sits on the banks of Wissahickon Creek. Enjoy a stroll along Forbidden Drive, open to pedestrians, equestrians and bicyclists, before brunch, lunch or dinner. Inside, the Inn is cozy, with a working fireplace when weather warrants. During warmer months, watch people feeding the resident duck population on the creek from the pleasant front porch. The entrees are mainly traditional fare (steak, baked chicken, blackened catfish). Don’t miss the delicious baked brie in puff pastry appetizer (plenty to share) or the excellent pear and apple salad. Valley Green Inn Valley Green Road and Wissahickon Avenue Philadelphia PA 19128 215-247-1730 valleygreeninn.com

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About the Author

Linda Smith began writing and editing professionally in 1979. She holds a bachelors' degree in secondary education - English from Penn State. She is a business and marketing writer for "Top Producer" magazine and AgWeb.com. She also has published articles about travel, equestrian sports and weather, and edits nonfiction books.